Project Overview

Working alongside Murphy’s and Hegenscheidt UK, Great Western Railway needed to replace an old wheel profile machine, the existing machine was in a purpose built pit and once removed the pit would then need to be excavated and re designed.

Problems identified:

Timing was crucial in order for minimum downturn on servicing the engines and carriages the allotted time to close the road (track) for the removal was 5 days. To reinstate the new columns we only had 24 hours!

Once the old machine was removed it required 8 months in order to redesign the new pit and with its new foundations an alternative method to install the new machine was required.

FPA Ltd removed the old Profile machine using a mega-lift system, we backed our articulated low loader into the shed in order to get as close as possible to the edge of the pit and once raised out of the pit travelled the machine over the trailer then lowered the machine on the trailer for transit. The machine weighed 25 ton.

The new profile machine was positioned in sections using the old tried and tested Iron Fairy Mobile Crane, a successful piece of equipment still used today in difficult situations.

Client Testimonial

I have been asked to convey FGW’s and Laira Depots thanks from the DEM, Production Managers, Plant and Production Team Leaders who have been dealing with you on site. I understand the way this project (Removal of the Atlas Wheel Lathe) has been planned and carried out at Laira has been exceptional. The production teams have identified the way your company has worked together with them to keep to the required timescales, in a safe manner and to ensure as little impact on the depot production processes and requirements was excellent.

Once again, many thanks for making such a good start to this project and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Best regards,

Gavin Payne
Laira Depot Manager
First Great Western

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Factory Plant Associates -FPA

We specialise in industrial machinery removal and installation, our current team has over 100 years experience in managing a wide range of challenging projects and we are qualified in all aspects of the lifting industry from Project Manager right through to slinger/banksman.